Wylie theater wins big in Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas program

Wednesday was a big day for the Wylie High School theater department.

And if you were inside the Paramount Theatre — or possibly walking by at just the right time — you definitely heard about it.

Loud cheers from the back of the theater's ground floor seats, with the department taking up three or four rows, erupted as team after team of students were honored for great work.

But not for their stage combat or musical talents. These awards came from Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas and focused on video production.

At first glance, the Workforce board and the Wylie theater department might not be the most instinctive pairing. But there they were.

Wylie's hoopla celebrated the Careers in Action program awards ceremony, capping a program that paid schools across the Big Country more than $15,000 for videos highlighting various careers.

One of the most popular careers looked at, especially among the winning videos Wednesday, was teacher. Five winning videos — of 17 total — focused on the profession. And two of Wylie's five wins were about teachers.

Speaking of Wylie's wins, the school took home more than one-third of the total prize money available.

Of the $15,100, Wylie received $5,250. The bylaws of the contest state the money goes to the teacher of the class. So, congratulations, Christopher Shoemake.

Among those wins, Wylie's "Teaching! The World of Education" won the overall prize as best video. They also won "best in industry" categories for production ("Wind Tech Jim"), education ("The World of Education," a different video than the overall winner) and installation, maintenance and repair.

Tack on Wylie's first place in the 5A/6A school division and it was nearly a clean sweep in the categories they claimed eligibility.

Honestly, it was refreshing to see when Wylie didn't win, especially in the top awards. Ira High's "Nurses: Everyday Heroes," and little Rule Junior High's "Faulty Plumbing" won their categories, earning $1,000 prizes each.

Especially the junior high school students, that must've been a great shot in their arms. And a confidence booster.

Districts besides Wylie winning money were:

Clyde ISD ($150); Stamford ISD ($150); Roscoe CISD ($150); Lueders-Avoca CISD ($150); Gustine ISD ($150); Trent ISD ($400); Munday ISD ($400); Eula ISD ($1,000); Rule ISD ($1,150); Anson ISD ($1,500); Eastland ISD ($1,500), Highland ISD ($1,500); and Ira ISD ($1,650).

Reading Rodeo goes north

Beginning Wednesday, I'll be home in Buffalo, New York, getting a little rest and relaxation with my family I haven't seen in more than a year.

I'm hoping for a little fun. And a Buffalo Bills win against the seemingly tanking Miami Dolphins on Sunday.

But while I'm away, I'll be missing one of my favorite events of the school year (and one I write about in my column every year).

Altrusa of Abilene's Reading Rodeo, where celebrity readers go into a classroom and read to students, is celebrating its 17th year by moving to a new school Oct. 22.

After focusing exclusively at Bowie Elementary since Altrusa began the program in 2003, the service group has decided to come north to Lee Elementary.

According to Altrusa President JoAnn Weinkauf, Lee Elementary's hosting of the Abilene ISD's refugee students presented a striking opportunity to do more than just read books to students.

So there's going to be an increased presence on the campus throughout the school year from Altrusa members, Weinkauf said.

I may not be able to join this year, but I'll be thinking of the fun there is to have. And, to any teachers out there who might read this column, I'd love to come in and read to your class. Feel free to contact me at timothy.chipp@reporternews.com. I'm all yours.

Based in Abilene, Timothy Chipp covers education and general news for the Reporter-News. If you appreciate his work and that of the rest of the staff, please consider supporting local journalists with a digital subscription to ReporterNews.com.